The first graders are deep into their study of liquids. We’ve done experiments to learn about the ways that liquids are different from each other: thickness, color, texture, use, edible vs. non edible, etc. We’ve talked about the two ways that all liquids are the same: they can all be poured and they take the shape of the container they are in. Below are some pictures of the students engaged in water play with graduated cylinders, beakers, clear tubes, turkey basters, and funnels. I was reminded of how important a role play has in scientific discovery when one student said, “When I put weight into the water, the water level rises up.” This comment led to a class discussion of Archimedes, his bathtub and the king’s crown.
